Experienced centre-back Shane Duffy has joined Championship side Derby County on a free transfer following his release from Norwich City in the summer.

The 34-year-old has signed a two-month deal after impressing during a trial with and will be available for the Rams' trip to Millwall on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Derby sit 23rd in the table and have six defenders missing through injury including centre-backs Matt Clarke (calf), Erin Cashin (calf) and Sondre Langas (groin).

Duffy has made more than 500 appearances for club and country, earning 61 caps for the Republic of Ireland and scoring seven goals. However, he has not featured for the national side since 2024.

"Shane's coming in with great experience and know-how," head coach John Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.

"He's coming to help the group with training, to help the players who are playing at the moment and with a bit of luck we can keep him fit and get him going."

Duffy's last league appearance was November 2025 during Norwich's 3-1 win over QPR.

Eustace added they will work on his fitness and utilise his experience during his time at Pride Park.

"We'll give him the opportunity to get fit over the coming weeks, but just to have his voice around the group will certainly benefit us," he added.

"Matt Clarke is the best defender in the league in both boxes for sure. We've certainly missed him and I think Shane is very, very similar.

"He's been promoted out of the league, played in the Premier League, and has lots of international experience. He's just a good character to bring in and to help the group."

Duffy spent six years at Brighton & Hove Albion between 2016 and 2022, helping the Seagulls secure promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

He has also had spells at Blackburn Rovers, Celtic and Norwich City, where he made 91 appearances and scored five goals.